Desaru

Desaru, the popular beach resort, is located on the eastern part of the peninsula about 1hr drive from Senai Airport using E22.

Desaru is a popular destination for tourists foreign and local. It has clean sandy white unspoiled beaches with a lush tropical forest that goes for about 25 kilometres long.

The clean water has made many water sporting activities such as snorkeling, fishing, boating and canoeing possible. Other popular activities apart from water activities are golfing, jungle trekking, horseback riding and tennis.

There are many resorts and hotels here that cater to a variety of budget; be it budget travelers or families seeking fun in the sun.

The beaches are lined with casuarina trees dotted by rustic fishing villages, natural lakes and jungles suitable for jungle trekking. To make your visit more memorable, visit Tanjung Pengelih to see the relics of World War Two and the historical relic of the Malay Johor Riau Empire at Johor Lama.

Getting to the largest district of Johor at the south-eastern end of the peninsula from Johor Baru is now a breeze via the E22. From the north, the easiest way is to take the Senai exit of the North-South Expressway and Malaysia-Singapore Second Link followed by a 45-minute drive via the new E22 to the resort district of Desaru. There is also a direct ferry service between the Tanah Merah ferry terminal in Singapore and Sebana Cove.

There's a wide choice of beach resorts along its long coastline – at Teluk Mahkota, Tanjung Balau, Desaru, Batu Layar, Teluk Punggai and Teluk Ramunia. Those who like to stay near the famous waterfalls of Kota Tinggi can check into the Kota Tinggi Waterfall Resort. In the town itself, there is quite a number of budget hotels available.

Golfers also have a few choices, one of which is Sebana Cove. The all-in-one retreat has a marina, 18-hole course and resort. Guests can choose from 40 executive rooms, 20 suites and 24 two-bedroom apartments housed in two-storey blocks. The main clubhouse has a swimming pool, food and beverage outlets, gymnasium and tour desk.